Golf Courses of South Africa

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KwaZulu-Natal forms the east coast of South Africa from Port Edward northwards to the border of Mozambique. It is known as the country's "garden province" and aptly so. The province's subtropical coastline turns into verdant savannah as one travels inland, before the terrain magically turns into the magnificent Drakensberg mountain range.

This area was first sighted by explorer Vasco da Gama in 1497 (on Christmas day, the reason he named the region "Natal"), and during the 500 years since, KwaZulu-Natal has developed a rich history which reads like an adventure storybook - complete with intrepid explorers, wars between nations and the rise and fall of Empires and Kingdoms.

This region, for purposes of planning an itinerary, is best subdivided into its various regions - the coastal belt - the North and South Coasts, the city of Durban, the Natal Midlands, the Drakensberg Mountains and the northern game reserves of Umfolozi, Hluhluwe, St.Lucia, Mkuzi, Ndumo Elephant Park and Itala.

Durban is South Africa's busiest port, and a major industrial and trade centre, but is best known as a holiday Mecca for many South Africans as well as visitors from abroad. Its climate is best described as a 12-month summer, and when the highveld of the interior is gripped by an icy winter (and when the Western Cape is receiving most of its rainfall), Durban and its surrounding area is at its best.

Among golfers the Durban Country Club is famous. This course has hosted the SA Open Championship more times than any other, and for many years was considered to be South Africa's finest layout. This 80-year-old masterpiece of golf course architecture has also deservedly been ranked among the world's top 100 courses. But the dazzling array of very fine courses in this province means that the travelling golfer is really spoilt for choice. So many coastal gems, with the accompanying water sports, and miles of unspoiled beaches, has earned one stretch of the coastline the name of "Golf Coast." But the parkland and mountain layouts, for those wishing to explore the interior with its rolling hills and dramatic mountain peaks - also fall into the category of "Must Play."

Enjoyable non-golfing pursuits in this province are many and varied - the cuisine, particularly seafood and curries, is famed, and all along the coast some excellent restaurants are to be found. Water sports are an obvious pastime in an area with such magnificent beaches, crystal clear lagoons and warm water, and further inland horse riding along mountain trails in the Drakensberg is a great way to take in the beautiful countryside.

KwaZulu-Natal Tourist Authority
Tel: (+27 31) 304-7144
Fax: (+27 31) 305-6693
E-mail: tkzn@iafrica.com
Website: www.zulu.org.za

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